Cows' milk allergy or lactose intolerance?
Key points about cows' milk allergy and lactose intolerance
- Cows' milk allergy and lactose intolerance are often confused with each other.
- While some of the gastrointestinal (gut) symptoms can appear similar, they are not the same thing.
- This page provides information about how they are different.

The following table is a summary of some of the differences between cows' milk allergy and lactose intolerance. For more details see cows' milk allergy and lactose intolerance.
If you think your baby has symptoms related to their infant formula, talk to your healthcare provider. Making the correct diagnosis is important so your baby can be given the most suitable formula and so, if needed, you can avoid giving them some foods.
Cows' milk allergy (CMA) | Lactose intolerance |
Cause
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Cause
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Ages affected
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Ages affected
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Symptoms
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Symptoms
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Treatment
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Treatment
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Reference
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Dr Jan Sinclair, Paediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Starship, Auckland
Last reviewed: